Best way to clean / polish A Frame

Steviebaby · 16 July 2007, 11:37

Hi There,

Does anyone know the best way to clean and then polish stainless steel A frames. Mine has what looks like rust stains but I think these are to do with electrolysis rather than oxidisation.

I seem to remember some one once telling me that HP sauce works well but it would be great to hear your opinions.

IBWET · 16 July 2007, 13:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steviebaby

Hi There,

Does anyone know the best way to clean and then polish stainless steel A frames. Mine has what looks like rust stains but I think these are to do with electrolysis rather than oxidisation.

I seem to remember some one once telling me that HP sauce works well but it would be great to hear your opinions.

I use International Rust remover, it's good becuse there are alway places you can't rub or get too with a rag. Then Solvol.

I looked into buying a machine for handrails on another job; a little pricey I thought..

so didn't bother.

http://www.lawson-his.co.uk/scripts/...source=froogle

codprawn · 16 July 2007, 13:28

Yes I love Solvol autosol as well - you can get it in any halfords.

Steviebaby · 16 July 2007, 15:20

I looked on the hammerite for info on solvol. It says that it:
• Makes metal look like new.
• Cleans, restores, and polishes chrome, alluminium and brass.
• Manufactured to the exacting standards of the Ministry of Defence.
• Cleans without scratching.

No mention of stainless, has anyone actually used this stuff on stainless.

Limey Linda · 16 July 2007, 16:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steviebaby

I looked on the hammerite for info on solvol. It says that it:
• Makes metal look like new.
• Cleans, restores, and polishes chrome, alluminium and brass.
• Manufactured to the exacting standards of the Ministry of Defence.
• Cleans without scratching.

No mention of stainless, has anyone actually used this stuff on stainless.

Yes, for about the last 30 years. Best universal metal polish on the market.

PS: do not use too often or too vigously on Chrome. It will eventually wear it away.

Biggles · 16 July 2007, 18:25

Solvol Autosol works well. I also use Mer to good effect.

You say you have rust. Has the steelwork pitted at all. If so some thick silver foil is good at removing small spots of rust.

codprawn · 16 July 2007, 19:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steviebaby

I looked on the hammerite for info on solvol. It says that it:
• Makes metal look like new.
• Cleans, restores, and polishes chrome, alluminium and brass.
• Manufactured to the exacting standards of the Ministry of Defence.
• Cleans without scratching.

No mention of stainless, has anyone actually used this stuff on stainless.

I have even used the stuff on Perspex and ABS platic - we used to manufacture a product that had a black Perspex bezel - we changed to ABS - a polishing wheel and solvol and it came up gleaming almost as good as the Perspex - made hell of a mess though at 3000 rpm!!!

Limey Linda · 16 July 2007, 19:14

If you want to get a really fine polished finish on Perspex/polycarb etc. Use auto finishing liguid ( cutting compound) then finish off with toothpaste.
T.

codprawn · 16 July 2007, 19:16

Yes tried that as well - brasso is finer than solvol for finishing off.

Limey Linda · 16 July 2007, 20:12

Yup, Brasso works really good. Always have some under the kitchen sink or in the garage.

Bigmuz7 · 16 July 2007, 21:29

I swear by T-cut, keeps it brighter for longer

Ian M · 16 July 2007, 21:54

Sorry Steviebaby to highjack your thread, but it is related

I am also an Autosol fan - even works wonders on gelcoat! However, I have some smallish areas of stainless steel that have small surface scratches, very minor scuffing if you like, almost invisible, but detracts from the mirror finish of most of the other stainless, any thoughts, other than wearing my fingers to the bone with polishing rags and autosol?

Limey Linda · 16 July 2007, 21:59

Go to Halfords and buy a valve grinding paste kit. Should include course, medium and fine. Pick the one that best matches the depth of the scuffs and then work your way down to fine and finish off with Solvol.
T

PeterR · 16 July 2007, 22:13

The thing to use it what the stainless steel fabricators use you can buy the cutting paste and polishing paste with the relivent wheels from Srewfix .Look in the index under polishing(metal)I,ve just spent all day polishing my new one i,ve made.

Steviebaby · 18 July 2007, 21:06

Well I got myself a tube of solvol and tried it out. The verdict ......... great job. However, is there a more efficient way of carrying out the whole process as I can see it taking an eternety to polish a whole A frame just using my index finger!

Has anyone tried using it with aone of those polishing mops that can be mounted in a drill?

codprawn · 18 July 2007, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steviebaby

Well I got myself a tube of solvol and tried it out. The verdict ......... great job. However, is there a more efficient way of carrying out the whole process as I can see it taking an eternety to polish a whole A frame just using my index finger!

Has anyone tried using it with aone of those polishing mops that can be mounted in a drill?

Yes but be warned - it goes everywhere - especially in your hair and eyes!!!

Hightower · 19 July 2007, 10:28

The only way to polish Stainless to a mirror finish without grinding your fingers to the bone is to either get someone else to do it or to take your Stainless items to you local electroplating company and pay for them to get them electro polished.